After his impressive performance during the national anthem at a men’s basketball game, West Virginia University police officer Carlton Smith became an Internet phenomenon.University administrators approached Smith with an urgent request on Jan. 12, while he was on duty at the WVU Coliseum. They needed someone to perform the national anthem in just five minutes after the hired singer was delayed due to snow.
Officer Smith, who has worked with the West Virginia University Police Department for four years, is recognized for his singing ability among his co-workers. He is 28 years old. In fact, he made it all the way to the Hollywood round of “American Idol” 13 years ago. The unexpected request to play in front of the Coliseum’s 14,000 spectators caught Smith off guard, although he was no stranger to this type of situation.
He described the incident this way: “They asked me if I was Carlton and said they needed a big favor,” Smith said. I asked for a glass of water and a cheerleader kindly brought it to me. Her next step was to take me to court, where I was ordered to start singing as soon as my name was called.
More than 2 million people have watched Smith’s performance on YouTube. While she is not working, Smith maintains her childhood hobby of singing in church by performing with a band during open mic nights. “It’s my passion,” she confessed.